In an article on Navigation by National Geographic I read, “The earliest navigation methods involved observing landmarks or watching the direction of the sun and stars. Few ancient sailors ventured out into the open sea. Instead, they sailed within sight of land in order to navigate. When that was impossible, ancient sailors watched constellations to mark their position. The ancient Minoans, who lived on the Mediterranean island of Crete from 3000 to 1100 BCE, left records of using the stars to navigate, for instance… NASA and other space agencies continue to use sophisticated celestial navigation for many of their missions outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The astronauts and engineers of the Apollo program used celestial navigation to chart their way to the moon and back.”
It is amazing that God has allowed for starlight to be used on numerous occasions to both discover new lands and lead the way home. Many have depended on these lights to usher them to their destination safely.
The Bible uses the metaphor of light leading the way as well. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” God’s word shines into this dark world to illuminate the steps we are to take. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The way that we live our lives is to be a light leading the way to our Heavenly Father in Heaven. How will others who do not know God find the way to Him? At least in part, by how we light the path for them with our lives.
In Scripture, we see people who had spent time with Lord reflecting His light in this world, even by their countenance at times. Exodus 34:29 tells us, “When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the LORD.” In fact, His face was so bright they had to put a veil over him. Acts 6 tells us about Stephen, “At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s.” The darkness did not like the light within Stephen and snuffed him out with stones. Yet amidst the black gloomy night of their actions, they had a light in their midst leading the way home.
Some see the stars and they don’t mean much to them. Others see the stars and allow their light to lead them to new places. God still places the stars in the sky for both to see.
Let the light of God shine through your life. Some will see and try to snuff you out. Others will see and allow the light to lead them safely home to the Father. Regardless, let your light shine for the world to see.